a widespread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a widespread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is prevalent or commonly occurring across a large area or among a large group of people. Example: "The disease has become a widespread issue in many countries, affecting millions of people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Displacement is a widespread practice.

The New York Times

This is a widespread practice.Unwinding.

The Economist

It is winning a widespread hearing.

The Economist

A widespread strike is affecting transport systems.

The Economist

It is a widespread sense.

The Guardian

That's a widespread conservative belief.

The New York Times

DeLuca's is a widespread sentiment.

The New Yorker

There was a "widespread loss of discipline".

The Guardian

There is a widespread fear of aftershocks.

The Guardian

It was "a widespread phenomenon", it said.

BBC

Hansen believes diving is a widespread problem.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a widespread" to emphasize the breadth and commonality of a phenomenon, belief, or practice. For example, "There is a widespread belief that exercise improves mental health."

Common error

Avoid using "a widespread" in contexts where the breadth is already implied. For instance, instead of saying "a widespread general consensus", simply state "a general consensus" to avoid redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a widespread" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. Ludwig AI confirms it describes the extent or prevalence of something, indicating that it is common or distributed over a large area or among a large number of people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

42%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “a widespread” is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something prevalent or commonly occurring. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media and scientific publications. To ensure clarity and precision, avoid redundancy and consider alternative phrasings like "common" or "prevalent" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use “a widespread” to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common

Focuses on the frequency of occurrence, implying something happens often or is generally present.

a prevalent

Emphasizes the extensiveness of something, suggesting it is widely adopted or exists in many places.

a pervasive

Suggests something that spreads throughout, affecting many aspects or areas.

a general

Implies a broad or overall nature, lacking specificity or detail.

a universal

Denotes something applicable or true in all cases or for everyone.

a sweeping

Highlights the comprehensive or extensive nature of an action or change.

a broad

Indicates a wide scope or range, covering many different things.

an extensive

Focuses on the large scale or degree of something, often relating to coverage or impact.

a rampant

Suggests something uncontrolled and spreading quickly and widely, often with negative connotations.

a far-reaching

Implies that something has effects or consequences that extend over a large area or affect many people.

FAQs

How can I use "a widespread" in a sentence?

Use "a widespread" to describe something common or prevalent. For example, "There is "a widespread belief" in the power of positive thinking".

What are some alternatives to "a widespread"?

You can use alternatives like "a common", "a prevalent", or "a pervasive" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a widespread problem" or should I use another phrasing?

Saying "a widespread problem" is correct and commonly used to describe an issue that affects many people or places. The phrasing is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

What's the difference between "a widespread" and "a common"?

"A widespread" emphasizes the geographical or demographic distribution, while ""a common"" emphasizes frequency of occurrence. Something can be widespread without being particularly frequent, and vice versa.